Patriots Debate: The Meaning of the Constitution in a Time of Terror

Posted Feb 3, 2012 8:27 PM CST

Since the events of 2001, the intersection of law and terrorism has become one of the most volatile zones in the public square—a place where qualities of life and manners of death are deliberated against 225 years of the U.S. Constitution.

This month we are offering the first in a series of debates about some of the enduring constitutional issues that pit personal freedom, national security, political expression, human rights and institutional responsibilities—each against the other. The entire series will be available as Patriots Debate: Contemporary Issues in National Security Law, an ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security book scheduled for publication in spring 2012.

Constitutional Dilemma: The Power to Declare War Is Deeply Rooted in American History by

• Richard Brust
• • War Powers Belong to the President by John Yoo
• • Only Congress Can Declare War by Louis Fisher

Next Topic: TARGETED KILLINGS